A 70-year-old resident of Kisesa in Magu District, Mwanza Region, has described the impact of the JP Magufuli Bridge in reducing travel time and improving transport between Kigongo and Busisi.
The remarks were shared in Parliament in Dodoma on Wednesday by Works Minister Abdallah Ulega while presenting the Ministry of Works’ revenue and expenditure estimates for the 2026/27 financial year.
Ulega said the woman, identified as Hellen Bugoye, contacted him shortly before the parliamentary session and explained how movement across the route has changed since completion of the bridge.
According to the minister, residents previously spent long hours crossing between Kigongo and Busisi, affecting daily transport and movement of goods and passengers within the Lake Zone.
“She told me that today one can start drinking a soda and before finishing it, they have already reached the other side,” Ulega told Parliament, referring to the shorter crossing time made possible by the bridge.
The minister said the project is part of wider government efforts to improve transport infrastructure, strengthen connectivity and support economic activities through investment in roads and bridges across the country.
He added that the focus remains on ensuring infrastructure projects improve access to services, simplify transportation and support national economic growth.
